ILLNESS OF RAJAH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19958, 29 May 1928, Page 9

ILLNESS OF RAJAH.

TWO OPERATIONS PERFORMED CONDITION VERY SERIOUS. Australian Press Association—United Service (Received May 28, 10.56 p.m.)' PARIS, May 28. The Rajah of Pudukkottai, Martanda Bhairava, Tondiman Bahadur, became seriously ill after his arrival from London. He was taken to the American Hospital at Neuilly. An X-ray examination confirmed that there was an internal obstruction. Two successful operations were performed, but his condition now is extremely grave. The Ranee, who before her marriage was Miss Esme Mary Fink, of Melbourne, hastened from Cannes, and the Rajah's son came from London, and both were ) admitted to see the patient.. Pudukkottai is a state in the Madras Presidency between Trinchinopolv and Tanjore. It has an area of 1179 square miles, with a population of 427,000. During the Carnatic wars in the 18th century the then ruling Tondiman—the dynasty has ruled for many centuries—did good service to the English troops of the Honourable East India Company against the French. The present ruler was born in 1875. and succeeded his grandfather in 1886. There is a representative assembly, and the administration, under the Rajah, is carried out by a Regent. The Rajah married Miss Fink in 1915, and their son was born in Australia in 1915. His home is in Cannes.